Company Matters, How to identify good people

What Science Offers

“Do the people we surround ourselves with help us in our progress? And how can we identify who is good or bad for us?”

This question strikes at the heart of our personal growth and success. Our company—meaning the people we spend the most time with—plays a pivotal role in shaping our thoughts, habits, and progress. But the answer isn’t as simple as cutting ties with old friends or blaming others. Instead, it requires a more practical and introspective approach. Let’s dive deeper into this crucial topic.

The Problem: The Influence of People on Your Progress

Your social circle impacts your mindset and progress. Friends, family, and colleagues all contribute to your journey, positively or negatively. However, this doesn’t mean you must abandon your long-term relationships. Instead, it’s about striking a balance between loyalty and personal growth.

Before identifying who is beneficial or detrimental, you must first understand your priorities, goals, and values. Without clarity on what you want to achieve, it’s difficult to determine who can truly support you.

Step 1: Work on Yourself First

If your goal is career success, you need a supportive circle that inspires and motivates you. Start by clarifying your priorities:

What do I want to achieve?
What are my long-term and short-term goals?
Who can provide guidance and support?

Once these questions are answered, identify people who align with your aspirations. These may not be your current close friends, but over time, you can build strong connections with new individuals who support your journey.

Step 2: Create a Network for Different Needs

Not all your needs will be met by one person or group. Different goals require different types of support:

• Academic Goals: Seek a mentor or a knowledgeable peer.

• Emotional Support: Connect with friends or family who listen and understand you.

• Career Growth: Build professional relationships and learn from experts in your field.

Expecting one person to fulfill all your needs is unrealistic. Instead, diversify your network to include people who can guide you in specific areas of your life.

3. Evaluate and Reassess Your Circle

It’s essential to periodically evaluate your relationships. Ask yourself:

• Does this person encourage my growth or hold me back?

• Do they inspire me to be better?

• Are they supportive of my dreams and ambitions?

If the answer to these questions is consistently negative, it may be time to distance yourself from certain relationships or set boundaries.

Real-Life Examples

• A student struggling with time management can benefit from a disciplined friend who motivates them to study.

• An entrepreneur seeking success can thrive in a circle of innovative and growth-oriented individuals.

The Solution: Strike a Balance

Progress doesn’t require cutting people off but creating a balanced approach to relationships. Surround yourself with individuals who:

• Share similar goals or values.

• Challenge you to grow and improve.

• Provide honest feedback and encouragement.

At the same time, maintain old friendships for emotional support, but limit the time spent with those who negatively influence your progress.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the question isn’t about who is good or bad. It’s about identifying how people influence your life and leveraging those relationships to align with your goals. Progress starts with you—by setting clear priorities and building meaningful connections.

Take charge of your social circle, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by people who uplift and empower you.